Cable reeling mechanism



2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Aug. 6, 1953 UM 5% R.

Feb. 23, 1954 R T; HA|R 2,670,153

CABLE REELING MECHANIS'M Filed Aug. 6, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 afm A1-MAM Patented Feb. 23, 1954 CABLE REELING MECHANISM Richard T. Hair, Frankli Manufacturing Compa corporation of Pennsyl n, Pa., assigner to Joy ny, Pittsburgh, Pa., a Vania Application August 6, 1953, Serial No. 372,728

26 Claims.

My invention relates to reel driving and conl trolling mechanisms for vehicles which are propelled by motors to which operating medium is supplied through a flexible member wound upon a reel carried by the vehicle and connected at its free end to a source of operating medium relative to which the vehicle is movable when in use.

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Serial No. 731,124, filed February 26, 194'?, and now forfeited.

It is desirable with vehicles of the character described that the reel driving motor be driven in such a manner as to exert a relatively high torque on the flexible member while the vehicle is moving in such a direction that the flexible member might be run over by the vehicle unless such member were kept as fully wound in as is possible. It is desirable, however, when the vehicle is so moving relative to the fixed point of supply mentioned that cable must be pulled off of the reel, that there be automatically effected a substantial reduction in the torque exerted by the reel driving motor, so that the iiexible member can be pulled off of the reel under a substantially reduced tension.

An object of my invention is to provide an improved reel driving and controlling mechanism of the character described. Another object of my invention is to provide an improved reel driving and controlling mechanism of the type in I which a pump supplies hydraulic fluid under pressure to a motor-pump device connected in driving relation with the reel, said improved mechanism including a plurality of relief valves having differl ent settings, one predetermining the pressure during Winding in of the flexible member and the other during paying out thereof, and means for selectively predetermining which one of said pressure relief valves is in control, including a shifter valve. Yet another object of my invention is to provide an improved reel driving and controlling mechanism of the type last mentioned in which there is associated with the shifter valve means for effecting its movements in opposite directions by unbalanced forces respectively existent when said reel is turning in opposite directions. Still another object of my invention is to provide an improved reel driving and controlling mechanism of the type last specified in which there is associated with the shifter valve means for effecting its movements in opposite directions by forces respectively created while said reel is turning in opposite directions. A still further object of my invention is to provide an improved reel driving and controlling mechanism of the type specified 2 in the last preceding object of invention in which one of the forces mentioned is produced by reason of rotation of the reel under the tension of the cable. Still another object of my invention is to provide an improved reel driving and controlling mechanism of the type specified in the last preceding objcct of invention in which means is associated with the shifter valve for normally moving it to one extreme position when the reel is stationary. Yet another object of my invention is to provide an improved reel driving and controlling mechanism of the type mentioned in the second object of invention in which there is associated with the shifter valve means, preferably fluid operated, energized whenever the reel is driven for controlling the shifter valve. Yet another object of my invention is to provide an improved reel driving and controlling mechanism of the type specified in the second object of invention above set forth in which means is provided for subjecting one end of the shifter valve to a hydraulic pressure for moving it in one direction when the reel is to be driven in a winding direction and for subjecting the other end of said shifter valve to a hydraulic pressure for moving it in the other direction when the reel turns the motor-pump device backwardly with respect to its direction of rotation as a motor, when cable is drawn off of the reel. Still another object is to provide an improved reel driving and controlling mechanism of the type specified in the second object of invention above set forth, in which means is provided for automatically moving the shifter valve, if it does not already occupy such a position when the reel ceases to rotate, to a position in which the relief valve which pre'- determines the pressure during unwinding of the flexible member from the reel is shut off from communication with the motor-pump device. Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings, in whichthree rembodiments of my invention are shown for pur- :poses of illustration,

Fig.- 1 is a schematic diagram showing a reel 'driving and controlling mechanism in which my linvention in one embodiment is incorporated,

Fig. 2 is a central longitudinal sectional view of a pressure relief valve of the type which may be used in the system of Fig. 1.'

Fig. 3 is aV section on a plane including the axes of rotation of a motor-pump device connected with a reel for driving the lattei` and adapted to be rotated by the reel when the latter vis caused to turn in a reverse direction from that in which it is driven by said motor-pump device,

mally biasing it to a position corresponding to that of Figure 4 is provided.

Fig. '7 is a central longitudinal setion'throu'gh a shifter valve in which the lpositioning Vof 'the valve is determined entirely by the`hydraulic pressures applied to its opposite ends.

Referring rst to Fig. l, it will be observed that a reservoir l contains oilor 'thr'suitable hydraulic medium (not shown) and is connected by communicating conduits 2, 3 with the intake Lof-a gear type fluid-.pump 5 (the invention is, of course,`- not l-imitedto this type of pump) whose discharge connection 6 communicates with a conduit 'I'.l l-he` cond-uitfi'.- extendsto ashiffter valve mechanism 8-f-rom Which-a conduit .fileads to a pressure relief valve I0, Which is connected by 'a' conduit y II bacli to the 'reservoir I. The conduit 2 risA of substantialV length andl has a number of other conduits communicating with it in addition-tothe -conduit A3,- as `Will`v^ be .-laterdescribed. The conduit 'll-also has branch conduits communicatingewitheit. y

One branch conduit YI2,V leadingfrom the conduit 1,= communicates 'with the Ysupply connection 3 of--a motor-pump device I4, shown as yof the intermeshingegear' type;` f and the discharge vconnection lief-the -motor-pumpdevice I4fis connectedbyy a conduit -II with the' conduit I I. Accordingly, xfluid -drawn from the reservoir lI through a port-ionl of rthe conduit -2 and the con-` duit Sfbyfthe` 'pump' 5 (which may be driven-in anysuitable manner byf-any suitable-means, not shown; and rotated continuously While the vehicle 'with Iwhich the system described Vis v-used `is -in use) Ymay be discharged by thexpumpto the con- ,4 5

'duit `I and passed through the conduit I2 to vthe motorepump device I4 and, having caused vrotation of the latter,-may be discharged through Athe conduit Iii-and a portion of the-conduit II backto thereservoir. 'The motorepump device "I4" asv shown in Fig. 3 l includes: a' 'casing -comprising a bdyportion l-andend plates I9 and'20, `and'he's g'ear type rtrs' 32! @and y22 Yjournaled bylsuitable'bearings-23in the'fend plates and Isupported for rotation inthe usualrotor cham- -berfNWth Whichfat 'oppositessides of thelmesh line of thefrotors'the'supply'connection I3 fan'd the discharge connection f I5 comrifiunicate in a Well :known Imanner. The rotor 2l constitutes the primary ffdiiven member) ofthe mtorepurrp device, and atf one Ien'd'tliereof itsfshaftfZI'4 car'- ries'fav'spr'ocket 25vvhich is connected by'a dve chain `26 with a'sprocket 121 onfaisuitable'rotatably supported reel 28 Which'serves for the winding in and the paying I`outlvof-aflexible pvver conducting lmember v29, which, in the casev f an electrically' powered vehicle, will be inthe form' of av conductor cable Whose freeV end 'may `-be"coiincted to dual-trolleyvvires, the case of trackless mining, or 'to a ltrolley fwire 'and-a vrail infa fri-ine p vided With-tracks.

conduit 2.

sure the effective winding in of the exible member, it is necessary to provide some means for the return of the excess fluid pumped by the pump 5 but not capable of being passed through the motor-pump device I4, and accordingly there is provided a conduit 3l communicating with the Aconduit 7 --and adaptedtoopen through a relif valvemechanism 332 into communication with a conduit 33 which in turn opens into the Conduit 33 could of course equally Well open into the conduit II. A pressure on A'the"order'of'several hundred pounds per square inch may perhaps bev desirably imposed on the `motor-pumpdevicel I4 While the flexible member y12fisbeing'woundin. The actual pressure employed will depend on a number of factors in- "cludingthesizeof'the motor-pump device, the ratio'of speed reduction between it and the reel, the size of the reel, the weight of the exible member,V etc. .v The relief valve 32 may assume many different forms, and one possible constructicn is-shownin`Figv2 Where it will be noted thata casing33 has'a valve chamber-36 extendinglongitudinally thereof and adapted to 'cornmunicate through an opening 3l surrounded by a--valve-seat 38 With-the cond-uit 3|. A suitable` check valve 39 is adapted to cooperate With the valve-seat and is-arranged in the chamber`36. Thischarnber-also communicates through a side opening 40 with the conduit 3 3. An adjustably loadable-spring llIr cooperates with -the ball check valve and engagesat-its upper end a surface 42l onv an l'abutmentmember 43 which is slidable in-a chamber' 44,"which communicates with the valve chamber 36. The position of the abutment 43 may-beadjusted-byan adjusting screw 45-Wh-ich-m-ay\ be -held in differentV adjusted relations--to an end' closure member r13,6 for the chamber-44 by a lock-nut- 41. y

vlWhen theiiexible member 29 is to be pulled off-of the reel 28,- due,say, to motion o the vehicle away from the point at Which-thememberfSis connected,itisdesirable to eifectla markedlre'duction--in the tension imposed on the flexible member, and this involves-a reduction in the resistance to rotation` ofthe reel. This is accomplished'according to -myinvention, by the provision of means for enabling the discharge of `the-fluid which will then be pumped by the 4motor#purrnzu `device-from thereservoir I by way cfa: portion 'of the conduit II and the conduit IB', through the conduit :I2 and into the line l, andl also the fluid pumped by the pump 5, past -thielief valve llwhich has a much lower set- -tinghthan'the 'relief valve-32, into the conduit =H. lThe relief'valve lil, Whose structure is essentially the sarneas that of the relief yvalve l32, may, 1in order that 'it may permit discharge through itat -a lower pressure, either have a ligl'iterspring` or, iftlie same spring is used-the loidingfof the-spring 'may be reduced. '-'fAsAitdsi-nece'ssary, inbrder tomaintain neces- Isary'tcrd'ue onthereel dur-ing cable Winding, to prevent communication :between .the 'conduit 'I gand the lower-pes'sure=seatedrelieffvalve Ic during the-`-Wnding inf'yof theiiexible member, the shifter valve? mechanism 8 Vpreviously referred to isz'proi'ided. 4f'hisshifter valVemechaniSm, as may be seen from Figs. 1A lande, inthe-first embodiment thereof, includes-a vcasing -ljii'having a `borelil -"Whose opposite ends are closed in any :suitable-manner by head-elements Y52, 53 each 'lti-aversedby'fa threaded opening 54. A Theside lwalls of the casing' 50 :are also traversed by 'lthreadedopenigs'i 51. 4Within-thebore 5i a for this valve is shown in piston valve 58, having spaced heads `59'andl0, is reciprocable, the heads connected by a reduced portion or stem I. A spring 62 is pro- 'vided'to maintain the valve 58 in a position to connect the openings 56, 51 except when the valve is moved from such position by fluid pressure. The conduit 1 is connected in the opening 51, while the conduit 9 is connected in the opening 55.

With the arrangement of the piston valve and the connections 56, 51 as shown in Figs. 1 and 4 and so far described, the valve 58 would normally occupy a position opposite that shown' in Figs. 1 and 4 if it were uninuenced by any pressure except that exerted by the spring 52. In other words, it would occupy a position in which the relief valve II] would be in communication with the conduit 1. That position corresponds to cable unwinding. To effect the movement of the valve 58 to the position shown in Figs. 1 and 4 at the desired time andA its maintenance in that position for the desired periods, I have provided arrangements as follows:

Referring to Figs. l and 3, it will be observed that a reversible pump 65 which is shown as essentially a duplicate `of the motor-pump device I4 but which may obviously be made smaller than the latter if desired, is connected in any suitable manner-shown in Fig. 3 as by a flange coupling 555-50 that it is driven Whenever the motor-pump device Ill is rotating. Its casing E1 contains a rotor chamber 58 and it has end heads 59, 1U in which by means of any suitable bearings 1I, rotors 12, 13 are journaled. Connections 14 and 15 open into the casing adjacent to but at opposite sides of the mesh line of the rotors 12 and 13. The connections of this reversible pump to the shifter valve and the other portions of the mechanisms may now be noted. It is desired that the pump 55 shall be able to draw in fluid through either the connection 14 or the connection 15 and shall be able to discharge fluid from whichever one of these connections is not serving as an intake. It is desired that each of these connections, when serving as a discharge, shall be able to supply fluid to one end of the piston valve 58. Since the shifter valve, after being once moved from one end of its casing to the other, is capable of no further movement in that direction, it is desirable that the fluid pumped by the reversible pump 65 be discharged with as low a back pressure as is permitted by the necessity for maintaining the shifter valve in the positions to which it may move. With these objectives, a conduit 11 is extended from the conduit 2 to a check valve 18 which may be of any suitable form. A suitable construction Fig. 5, where it will be noted that the connection 11 leads into a chamber le in a valve casing S0. The chamber 19 is separated from another chamber 8l by a ported septum 82, and a hingedly supported valve 83 swingable about a pivot axis 847m the casing is movable to permit now of fluid from the chamber 19 to the chamber 8l but to prevent opposite flow. An adjustable stop 85 isprovided for limiting the degree of opening of the check valve. A conduit 85 connects the chamber 8l with a conduit 81, one end of which is secured in one threaded opening 54 in the cas.` ing of the shifter valve mechanism 8. The conduit 81 is connected with the connection 14 -cf the reversible -pump by a conduit 88. The lother 'end of the conduit 81 opens into am sure relief valve 89, and'upon the-unseating of pres- Ll C .rotation of the rotor 12,

the'valve element 89, fluid may pass of the pressure r'eli'e'f valve through a conduit el) into the conduit 2. The construction of the relief valve 89 may be very similar to that of the relief valves 32 and I9, but'the setting `Will be olesirably lower than even that of the relief valve I0. Another conduit SI is fixed at one end in the other opening 54 in the casing of the shifter valve 8, and at its other end opens at Q2 into the end of a pressure relief valve 93 which, when its associated valve element (not shown) opens, is adapted to permit discharge through a conduit 94 into the conduit 2. A branch conduit 55 off the conduit 5I is adapted to have fluid supplied to it under circumstances later explained from the conduit 2 through a check valve 9S in all particulars similar to the checkvalve 18. The conduit QI is connected by another conduit 91 with the connection 15 of the reversible pump 65. The setting of the relief valve 93 may be essentially the-same as that of the relief valve 89. Conduits and ed might connect to conduit II, instead of to conduit 2, if desired.

It will be observed that when the rotor 12 turns in the direction in which the rotor 2l rotates when the motor-pump device I4 is acting to effect driving of the reel 28 in a direction to Wind in the flexible member 29, fluid willbe drawn from the conduit 2 through the conduit 11, past the check valve device 18, through the conduit 85, through a portion of the conduit 81, throng-l1 the -conduit 88, into the casing of the reversible pump G5 through the connection lil, and

be discharged through the connection 15 to the conduit 91, and passin part through the conduit BI into the right-hand end of the chamber 5I of the shifter valve, and move the valve element 53 to the position shown in Figs. 1 and 4, in which position communication between the conduits 1 and 5 is cut off, and the fluid forced by the reversible pump 55 through the conduit 91 will be maintained by the relief valve 93 under a pressure sufficient to hold the valve member 58`in the position desired, but will be delivered through the conduit 94 back into the line 2. Accordingly, since communication between the conduits 1 and 9 will be cut off, the motor-pump device I4 will be subjected to a pressure which will be determined by the high-set relief valve 32, and the motor-pump device Id will exert on the reel 28 a torque suited to the certain drawing in of the cable in the desired. manner.

If now, through movement of the vehicle supporting the reel 28 and associated .mechanism away from the point of connection of the free end of theiiexible connection 29, the motor-pump device I4 is driven in a direction to cause it to perform its pumping function and to take fiuid throughthe conduits'II and I6 from the reservoir I anddisplace that Huid through the conduit I2 into the line 1 into which the pump 5 is also delivering, there will be va reversal in the in this new direction of rotation of the rotor 2 I, and the rotors 12 and 13 will then cooperate to draw fluid from the line 2 past the check valve device 95, through the conduit 55, and through a portion of the conduit 9i and through the conduit 91 and intofthe casing 61 through the opening 15, and to discharge this fluid thr-ough the opening .le and the conduit 83 into the conduit 81 where the pressure under Uwhich it is placed will be v transmitted to act on the left-hand head 5.*3 of the that shown inri'isavl-:andfa andftbuseestablisb communication: between'the :conduits 1 fand'. exeessrpumpedzudinithe `conduit 81 being dis- Chargedpast.-the-=.rele1waived!)v andnthrough conduit Sllto conduitfz .As a result, fthe `fluid pumped :by the pumpJS andxby theamotor-pump .device 14- will ,discharge .from the -;conduit 1 throughfthe-space-fbetween vthe heads. S AVand ...60 nf: therpiston -fvalve through .the ,conduit V9, .andzthrough the .relief valve U-A-thelow set relief'valve-rintdthe conduit Il andbaclr to the reservoir. p'Asra result, ,thereel willberotatable avithout vtheirnposition ofaahigh tensionzon the flexible :member-:29,.and wi hout the-heating of the oil thattwouldxresultwith a;higher pressure .imposed son .fthe fvolumerof `vcil displaced, :but yet .under-1 a lresistance :sufficient yto :prevent spinning or overrunning.

-LIt'fwill be. evident :that .when ytheimotor-pump vdevice M ais :rotate'dlin` the= direction in which it turns .when cable is Lbeingpulled opthe 4reeL-the `reversible .pnmpir-.B'will create;a suctiongin the conduit 91,. and 1 the :resultant: reduction in pressure Ein 'the `bore 15| to tl'ie'right :of the 1 head 6B would .permit Lthe spring 162, evenv .without `the supplyv of pressure :through the conduit $1 .to ftheleitfofthe valve 58, to move the valve 58 to connect Athe conduitsvl and 9.

l".lhefshifter `.valve mechanism. B )may have the '.spring'fl idisposed -in :either end thereof, de- ,pendingruponwhether it isdesired to have the normalrposition :ofthis-valve suchas to impose the high or lowbafck pressure on the line 1 in :the Lso-called :normal position of the :valve elementl-58, an'ddt isevenapossible toomit'the use of a spring; inf associationwith: the valve 58.

lOnething to be noted about the reversible .pump 65. isithat such deviceshave sufficient in- :ternalclearancesf so thatdifferent pressures exist- :ingiat the. opposite sidei o'ithe mesh line of their .teethrwhen theystop, rapidly equalize, and, ac-

eordingly,:if, 1withithe=arrangement such as is -shovvnzinFigal to 5, rotationof'the reel 28 ceases :at the'end of aperiod lof rotation in aA winding-in direction, I,during which l'period the reversible Ipump has been delivering rfiuid to maintain =thevalve3-58 inthefposition shown'in Figs. 1 and ..4,1the springfZ .will be able very quickly to move ithe'valveito itsright=hand position, interconnecting the'conduit-s i1 and 9, andthus during a -period'When-the vehicle is'moving in neitherdirection the1fluid still pumped. bythe pump' 5 will discharge "through kthe low-pressure-set relief 4.valve llliinstead of having tofbe discharged past ithe high-fpressure-set relief valve.32. The somewh-at reduced heating-ot the hydraulicA fluid which iresultsffrom-.thisI arrangement is oiset as an ad- ;vantage by j'theffacts lthat thetorque exerted by 'themotor-pump devicerl' Aon the 4reel 28, if the vehicle :starts to move in a direction to make windingein'of' the'cableZB necessary, will initially be lovvfand;y only as the motor-pump vdevice commencesto'turntherreel in a Winding-in direcition-.willthe reversible pump 6'5"build up lapres- 'surein the lconduit 'Bilthat will throw the valve -r53-tothe'position shown in Figs. 1 and 4 and thereby-cause the torque exerted bythe motorpurnp devicetovbe built up tolthe value which is desirable-for cable winding. v

4vBy locating 'thespring 62' in the end of thet .chamber 'lopnositethe oneinzwhichitis shown .idspeedjnisnlnnclnethe valve. 5.3 .will .be realised, as shown inria@ .normally ,to orzczurry .ftheinositonliniwhi b. its; hoeden :shuts ou .com-

munication-betweeneconduits 1 andfsf-.and aecordinely, vwith :the arrangement :of -liig. 16 in whichthe springds locatedinxthe ,rightehand end of the chamber 5l',.the normal position ofthe valve whenthe'reelis stationary for more than the briefestperiod will be such as to cause all the-fluid .displaced `bythe pump 5 to have tobe discharged through the Yhigh-pressure-set relier' valve 32, and so the cable 29 will always be maintained taut, .under a :substantial tension, Whenever the vehicle is still, and the instant-the ve hicle begins to moveina direction to make possible .the-vf'inding-in` of cable, cable will be wound in -under Ythe higher ktension produced :by the motor-'pumpdevice when the latter is supplied With fluid atxa pressure determined by the setting of'thehigh-pressure-set relief valve 32. When cable must be-unwound` fromV the reel 28, the reversible-pump-.SS will be-driven in such a direction `as .to iSupply .--fiuid lto vthe left end of the chamberl' andthe valve 58' will be moved-in opposition -to the-spring-.GZ'JO permit cable to be drawn oil the'reel under ay tension determined by yther setting of the flow-pressure-set relie valve-10. The valve 58', ii not previously moved ,tothe left-.by'the'spring, would be movedttofits extreme` left-hand position by fluid displacedL vby the reversible pump Ai5 `as soon as Vthe vvehicle began tor movei in. a. direction necessitating Winding-infor vthe cable=29. iI-Iowever, if there rwere, between aperiod of paying off-.cable and azperiod vof-vvindingin cable, the brief time necessary` :for equalization o pressures at :the oppositev sides of y thereversible pump 65- thespring -612 would automaticallymovethe valve 58 nto the 4left -and cause Vthe ymotor-pump device 4to exert 'thedesired higher winding-in torque ion the reel. AUnderzsuch circumstances -all fluid; displacedby thepump y5 while the vehicleis stationary would have to bev discharged throughthe high-pressure-setrelief valve 32 ,Y with aresultant somewhat lundesirable increased heating @of the hydraulicluid, but this-small disadvantagezwould be-ofiset byfthe fact thatthe -reel would commence instantlyv to-wind iii-cable `under the higher tension as soon as Ithe Avehicle .commenced lto .movein a` direetionfcausing cable winding-in to be desirable.

It is entirelyfpossible to dispense altogether vwith any spring-in association with the shifter valve. Since thexthrowing pressures exerted .on theshifter valvethroughthe conduits 81 and vSil .are determined vvholly bythe direction of r0- tation ofthe reversible pump'BS-the valve 58" in Fig. 7, in which :there Y is no spring illustrated f in Aassociation With-,the valve,will be thrown to one position or the tether as soonfas movement in one 'direction or 4the otherv ofl thev .vehicle determines in Awhat direction .the -reversible pump G5 will turn.

{When-.the vehiclel is movingein-a-direction to permit cable to be-woundin, the reversible pump `V Wilkcause. f1uid;pressure tof maintain the valve r` 58' in the position shown in', Fig. f7; thereby causing the=motorpurnpdevice to exertitsvhigher torque on-the yreel. If -the vehicle'moves ina .directionto-necessitate thepaying'o of cable the reversible pump B5 -Willsupply uid to -the conduit 81,and.move the-valvey 58 tofeieotfinterconnection of the conduits 1 Aand 9 and the development `by the motor-,pump Adevice M- of a ftorquefsuitable .to1theedrawingoff-of ,cable from rthe reel. As-tbe valve 54 is a; balanced valve.

V.there wi1l.be.no .-tenderlcy, lin the A.absence orga prillgorttuto- Shift y.from either gpositionrit. oc-

' stops at the end of a cupies under a pressure imposed on one of its ends, to its opposite position, when said pressure is simply dissipated. Accordingly if the vehicle period of winding-in of the cable, the valve E will remain in its left hand position, and if the vehicle then moves in a direction to call for further winding-in of cable the cable will be wound in under the proper higher tension. If the vehicle starts to move, after stopping with the valve 58" in left-hand position, in a direction to make pulling oli of cable necessary the valve 58 will be shifted to the right. and permit the low-pressure-set relief valve IB to become effective, just as soon as the reversible pump 65 creates the .necessary throwing pressurefor the valve. If the vehicle stops after a period of cable unwinding, the valve 58 will remain in right-handposition, and, accordingly, if the vehicle starts to move in a direction making the winding-in of cable necessary, the initial torque applied to the reel will not be the maximum torque, but as soon as the reversible pump 65 commences to rotate, as it will immediately, the valve 58 will be shifted to the left and the torque exerted by the motorpump device will immediately increase to the desired value determined by the high-pressure-set relief valve 32, as soon as the low-pressure-set relief valve li] is shut 01T from communication with the conduit? by the shifting of the valve 58 to the left.

It will be noted from what has been said that the use of a spring at either end of the shifter valve or the complete omission of spring in association with the shifter Valve are all possible within the scope of my invention from its broader aspects.

From the foregoing description, it will be evident that I have provided simple and highly effective arrangements for insuring a reduction in the torque imposed by the motor-pump device Hl on the reel 28 whenever cable must be drawn off of the reel, arrangements in which there is no necessity for the use of electrical devices or slip friction mechanisms, and ones in which the positive and reliable characteristics of hydraulic devices are made applicable to all phases of the operation.

. While there are in this application specically described three forms which the invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that vthese forms of the invention have been shown for purposes of illustration, and that the invention may be modied and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

i. In combination, a winding reel adapted to have a power conductor wound thereon and to wind in the conductor or to have the conductor drawn off therefrom, a reservoir for a hydraulic fluid, a pump having driving means, a motorpump device, a driving connection between the motor-pump device and the reel, a connection between the reservoir and the pump, a connection between the pump and the motor-pump device, a connection between the motor-pump device and the reservoir, means for releasing fluid from the connection between the pump and the motor-pump device to the reservoir including means for releasing fluid at a relatively high pressure and means for releasing iiuid at a relatively lower pressure, and means for .precluding -release .atl said relatively lower pressure while the motor-pump device is operating as a motor including a valve and another pump rotated with said motor-pump device for controlling the positioning of said valve. y

2. In combination, a winding reel adapted to have a power conductor wound thereon and to wind in the conductor or to have the conductor drawn oi therefrom, a reservoir for a hydraulic i'iuid, a pump having driving means, a motorpump device, a driving connection between the motor-pump device and the reel, a connection between the reservoir and the pump, a connection between the pump and the motor-pump device, a connection between the motor-pump device and the reservoir, means for releasing fluid from the connection between the pump and the motor-pump device to the reservoir including means for releasing uuid at a relatively high pressure and means for releasing uid at a relatively lower pressure, and means for precluding release at said relatively lower pressure while the motor-pump device is operating as a motor and for permitting such release when the motorpump device is rotated by said reel, including a shifter valve and means for supplying uid to move said shifter valve in opposite directions including a further pump rotatable with said reel.

3. In combination, a winding reel adapted to have a power conductor wound thereon and to wind in the conductor or to have the conductor drawn oi therefrom, a reservoir for a hydraulic uid, a pump having driving means, a motorpump device, a driving connection between the motor-pump device and the reel, a connection between the reservoir and the pump, a connection between the pump and the motor-pump olevice, a connection between the motor-pump device and the reservoir, means for releasing fluid from the connection between the pump-and the motor-pump device to the reservoir including means for releasing fluid at a relatively high pressure and means for releasing duid at a relatively lower pressure, and means for precluding release at said relatively lower pressure while the motor-pump device is operating as a motor and for permitting such release when the motorpump device is rotated by said reel, including a shifter valve and means, including a further pump rotatable with said reel, for exerting substantial pressures on said valve in one direction or in an opposite one `depending on the direction of motor-pump device rotation. 1

4. In combination, a winding reel adapted to have a power conductor wound thereon and to wind in the conductor or to have the conductor drawn off therefrom, a reservoir for a hydraulic vfluid, a pump having driving means, a motorpump device, a driving connection between the motor-pump device and the reel, a connection betweenl the reservoir and the pump, a connection between the pump and the motor-pump device, a connection between the motor-pump device and the reservoir, means for releasing fluid from the connection between the pump and the motor-pump device to the reservoir including means for releasing fluid at a relatively high pressure and means for releasing iluid at a relatively lower pressure, and means for determining whether release shall occur at said relatively high pressure or at said relatively lower pressure including a reversible pump operatively connected to said reel for rotation therewith and valve means controlled by the iiuid discharged by said reversible pump.

5. In combination, a winding reel adapted to stomme liave'- apower conductor' Wound l thereon;v and x to windiin' the conductor or'torhave the conductor drawn' ofi" therefrom, areservoirl fora hydraulic fluid, a pump having driving means,.a motorpumpl device, a driving connection between the motorS-pump-device andthe reel, aconnection between thereservoir andltlie pump,v a connection' between the pump and the motor-pump :devioe; a connection bietweenthe motor-pump device' andthereservoir,` means for releasing fluid fromthe-connection-between the pump and the motor-pumpnevicetolthe reservoir including meansiforI releasingf fiuid` at arelatively high pressureand means for releasing iiuid at a relativelylower pressure, andimeans for determining whether'release shall 'occur at said relatively high pressure orv ati said relatively lower pressureincluding a .reversible pump operatively, connected toc saidV reel for" rotation therewith and valve meansconnectedwith saidreversible pump to receive at: spaced I points the iiuid `pumped by such pumpras it ,isreversedc 6:1In combination, a: winding reel adapted to havef azpowerconductor 'wound thereon and. to

windtin the conductor or: to' have theconductor drawn. oil therefrom', aV reservoir yfor a vhydraulic fluid;1 a4 pump having' driving means, a y motorpump' device',. a vdriving connectionbetween. the motor-pump :deviceandithe reel, a connection betweenitliezreservoir'andthe-pump, a connection betweenlthe'pumpandlthe motorpump device, a connection betweensthe-.motor-pump ldevice and trie reservoir; meanslfor releasing uidffrom the connection betweenrthe: pump and the.' motorpumpfdevice' to \the =`reservoirincluding. means `for releasing fluidi atta relatively high pressure'and rneems'A for 'releasing uid.l at a relatively lower pressure; ar further' pumprotatable with said reel, and lfluid actuated valve means operated by 'iluid-pumped' .by'said further pump while said reel i'swinding in cableffor pre/cluding releaseat said relatively lower pressure' whilethe motor pump @device is'v operating asl a motor.

tl..In'.comlzfination, awinding reel adaptedtto l'lave-r a: powerf conductor' woundi thereon-` and to windin' the conductor orto haveth'e conductor drawnoffftherefrom, a-.reservoir for ahydraulic uidi. a pump-havingfrdrivingfmeans, a motorpumpldevice, ardrivingiconnection between the motorepump devicaand the reel; af connection between the-*reservoirfandzthepump; a connection between the pump .and tliemotorspump device, a connection between the motor-pump L4device and thel reservoir, meansl for rreleasing uid from`| the connectionv betweenthe pump andt the' motorpumpdeviceto the reservoir-including means-for releasing iluid at a relativelyfhigli pressure and meansv for releasing iiuid at a relatively' lower pressure', and 'meansforl precluding release at saidlrelatively lower pressure while the'motorpump device is operatingfas amotcr including a valve shifta'ble topredetermine the minimum pressure at-which release occurs and common meansV for generating and for-'exerting on said valve oppositelyr directed liuidV pressures durinf-i` oppositedirections of reel rotation;

8.'.In combination; a winding reelE adapted to havev a-.cable wound thereon andlto wind'- inthe cable or to haveftlie cable drawnof therefrom, areservoir forv a= hydraulic fluid,i arpumplhaving drivingxmeans, a motor-'pump device, aV driving connectionsbetweenzthe motorepump device'. and Y the reel, aconnection: between l the reservoir and the pump, a connection between the-lpfumpiand the motor-pump ydev-ice, a connection -betweemthe f2 motor-'pump device?. amilthereservoir;V meansifor releasing. fluid froml the connection. between; the pump .andthe motor-pump device'tto 'thereservoir at a relatively -highipressureandat'a relatively lower, pressure, Yand imeans l for. precluding release atiltherelatively lowerpressure ywhiletheemotor.- pump Adevice :is operating `as 'a l motor` including. a control elementi andm'eans for movingsthasame including a pump rotated withsaidireeh 9;.In combinatioma winding! reel= adapted to have'a cablewound thereonland to Windiinthe cableor- 11o-have4 the cablerdrawn'off therefrom, a reservoirl forl a hydraulicrfluid, a-pumphaving driving means, armotor-pump device. a driving connection'.between` the` motor-pump device and the reelga connectionlbetweenthe reservoir and the pump, f a connection between the" pumpuand themotor-pwnprdevice, a connection betweenthe motorepumpidevice andA the reservoir,` meansffor releasing'uid from the connectionbetween the pump and'themotormump device to `thereservoir includingfmeans'iorreleasing iiuidwat a relatively high pressure andlmeans' for; releasing" fluid atl a relatively lower pressure eacltincluding a-yieldably` loaded relief valver individuali thereto and having its lown relief line; and means 44forprecluding release: through the secondr` mentionedi fluid releasing f means while the 'motor-pump devicee is operating `as a motor including a valve' therelief line associated said secon'dlmentioned iiuid releasing means and operating-means'therefor `including aA pump rotated' with'A the reel.

10'. In combination, a cable windingfreel, a motor fordriving'said reeltoiwind incableand driven .backwardsfby said reel when cableds-pulld off of the latter; power supplyfmeans'for` said motor, and means for increasing the` torque exerted by said motorwhen driving said reel in a winding direction'andfor reducing the torque exerted by said motor when itlis driven backwards includingan element movable-todifferenty` positions to effect such changes intorque andfluid operated'A means iorfsaidt element Ihaving afluid supply source comprising a pump connected`v to turn with said motor.

11. In a cable reeling mechanism adapted-to supply powersto a moving vehicle, a Winding drum adapted to have a cable wound thereornav fluid motor for drivingsaid druinin al direction to windlcabl'e thereon,V anuid pump', a rpressureline connecting 'said pump'to saidl motor and` having relief means-'associatedtherewith for relieving pressure therefrom I tol` preclude` excessive tension on the cable during'winding' insa`id'^motor being driven by saitlwin'clirig drum-as a pump during the unwinding operationandexertin'ga torque to maintain tensionon'said cable during unwinding, and means for relieving pressurefron'i saidmotor when driven-as a-pump,I but'permitting said pump to maintain a back'pressure on said motor suffi.- cient to maintain tension on said cable during the unwinding operation and'to 'initiate resumption of winding whenca'bletension is reduced by vehicle movement; including relief means for relieving pressure` ati a: substantially lower value than' is requisite to'operateY said rst' mentioned relief means,v and'mean's for preventingreliefby said second'mentioned relief means during cable winding includingv 'a' device for blocking relief thereby anda control forsaid" device comprising a reversible pump drivenV with the drumz l2. InracabmA reeling mechanism adapted to supply power toiaunovingvehicle; a' Winding drum adapted tohave.l a, cable wound thereom. a iluid motor. yforV drivingl `said drum. inv ai .directiomto Wind cable thereon, a, nuid pump, a pressure line connecting said pump to said motor and having relief means associated therewith for relieving pressure therefrom to preclude excessive Vtension on the cable during winding in, said motor being driven by said winding drum as-a pump during the unwinding operation and exerting a torque to maintain tension on said cable during unwinding, and means for relieving pressure from said motor when driven as a pump, but permitting said pump to maintain a back pressure on said motor sufcient to maintain tension on said cable during the unwinding operation and to initiate resumption of winding when cable tension is reduced by vehicle movement, including relief means for relieving pressure at a substantially lower value than is requisite to operate said rst mentioned relief means, and means for preventing relief by said second mentioned relief means during cable winding including a device for blocking relief thereby and a control forsaid device comprising means for biasing saiddevice in one direction and a pump driven with the drum for alternatively subjecting said device in the other direction to a pump produced pressure exceeding the force exerted by said biasing means and withdrawing such pressure.

13. In a cable reeling mechanism adapted to supply power to a moving vehicle, a winding drum adapted to have a cable wound thereon,

a fluid motor for driving said drum in a direction to wind cable thereon, a fluid pump, a pressure line connecting said pump to said motor and having relief means associated therewith for relieving pressure therefrom to preclude excessive tension on the cable during winding in, said motor being driven by said winding drum as a pump during the unwinding operation and exerting a torque to maintain tension on said cable during unwinding and when unwinding ceases, and means for relieving pressure from sai-d motor when driven as a pump, but'permitting said pump to maintain a, back pressure on said motor suflicient to maintain tension on said cable during the unwinding operation, including relief means for relieving pressure at a substantially lower value than is requisite to operate said rst mentioned relief means and means for rendering said second mentioned relief means ineffective during winding in of the cable including a shifter valve and means for subjecting it to throwing pressures including a reversible pump driven when the drum is turning, lines from said reversible pump leading to said valve, check valve controlled sup-f ply connections communicating with said lines and relief valve controlled surplus fluid release lines also communicating with said lines.

14. In a cable reeling mechanism adapted to supply power to a moving vehicle, a winding drum adapted to have a cable wound thereon, a fluid motor for driving said drum in a direction to wind cable thereon, a fluid pump, a pressure line connecting said pump to said motor and having relief means associated therewith for relieving pressure therefrom to preclude excessive tension on the cable during winding in, said motor being driven by said winding drum as a pump during the unwinding operation and exerting a torque to maintain tension on said cable during unwinding and when unwinding ceases. and means for relieving pressure from said motor when driven as a pump, but permitting said pump to maintain a back pressure on said motor suicient to maintain tension on said cable during the unwinding operation, including relief means for relieving pressure ata substantiallylower value than is requisite to operate said rst mentioned relief means and means'for rendering said second mentioned relief means ineffective during winding in of the cableincluding a shifter valve. and means for subjecting. it to throwing pressures to control its position including apump driven when the drum is turning, means for constantly biasing said valve in one direction and a line from said pump for delivering iiuid to said valve to overcome said biasing means. f. f

l5. In a cable reelingmechanism adapted to supply power to a moving vehicle, a winding drumadapted Vto have a cable wound thereon, a fluid motor for driving said drum in a direction to wind cable thereon, a fluid pump, a pressure line= connecting said pump ,to said motor and having relief means associated therewith for relieving pressure therefrom to preclude excessivetension on the cable during Winding in, said motor rbeing driven by said winding drum as a pump during the unwinding operation and exerting a torque to maintain tension on said cable during unwinding and when unwinding ceases, and means for relieving pressure from said motor when driven as a pump, but permittingv s aidpump to maintain a back pressure on said motor suiiicientto maintain tension on said cable during the unwinding operation including relief means for relieving pressure at a substantially lower value than is requisite to operate said firstmentioned relief means and means for rendering said second mentioned relief means ineffective during winding in of the cable including a shifter valve and means for subjecting it to oppositely acting pressures to control its position including means for constantly biasing said valve in one direction and a pump driven when said drum is turning in a direction towind in cable, a line from said pump leading to said valve, a check valve. controlled supply connection leading to said pump and a relief valve controlled surplus fluid release line communieating with said rst mentioned line.

16. In a cable reeling mechanism adapted to supply'powerto a moving vehicle, a winding reel adapted to have a cable wound upon it, a motorpump device operable as a motor to drive said reel in a direction to wind cable thereon, a fluid pump, a pressure line connecting said pump to said motor-pump device, said motor-pump device being rotatable by said winding reel to cause the same to operate as a pump when cable is pulled off of the reel, and meansfor, imposing on said motor-pump device a predetermined supply pres,- sure when it is operating as a motor and a lower back pressure when it is being driven by the reel .and acting as a pump, including a valve element movable to different positions to effect said changes in pressure and means for pumping uid to throw the same when cable4 is being drawn off of the reel.

17. In a cable reeling mechanism adapted to supply power to a moving vehicle, a winding reel adapted to have a cable wound upon it, a motorpump device operableas a motor to drive said reel in a direction to Wind cable thereon, a fluid pump, a pressure line connecting said pump to said motor-pump device, said motor-pump device being rotatable by said winding reeltor cause the same to operate as a pump when cable is pulled olf of the reel, and means vforimposing on said motor-pump device a predetermined supply pressure when it is operating as a motor and a lower back pressure when itis being driven by the reel and acting asa pump, including a valve element movable to different. positions, to. veffect lsaid chzmgesein pressuresandimeamzionnnmnn.Suidtmthrowf thevsamelwhenzcablefis ,beinezwnundionthesreeh .18. In; comininaztion,,ia;v windincgreel :having .a cable: thereon. .adaptedgwi be: wendde im aritmie wound; a. motorgconneetedsta sadtrL-LO: 4delve. tbealatter to;windzimtherable.whenisnnpiiedwith operating' medium. andetmherfdniyembackwam bythe reel when: .cableris;Dulledzofftof'..ther'relz means for supplying operatingarnedumit=-1saiiis moton to drive-:thezsame-fto. eiect: winding in.-;of said cable; said operating'. medium.supplie` means. includingI a device, movable to; reduce. the ihren reduiredfto4 drive*v the1motonfbackwardsras-come parediwithvthe forceoexerted byf-themotonfwhen driving the reelg and. meansifbrsubjectingfa sun face-onlsaidl devioe=to an operatingzpressure when thel reel is rotated-by the tension.l of. the cable including fluidi pumpingfmeanstunning:withaid motor andisaidreel at suon-time 192 In combination, afl-.winding lreelf'having a cable thereon adapted to: .bee woundif or une wound; a motor-connected totsa'idi reel' tudrive the latter to'wind in thecable when suppliedwvith operating medium -and'toI beJ driven backwards bythe reelwhen caole-is-pulledolthereel, means iorsupplyingr` operating' medium to said= motor to drive the same to eiectwinding-in off salda-cable; said operating med-iunisupply means including-@a device movable to"reducethe force required: to drive the motor` backwards as compared` vwiththe forcev exertedby1 the, .motor mwhen. drivingd the reel and to increasetheforce exerted* by the motor on the reel, when thev reelis-being, driven by the motor,` as comparedwith therforce Vexertedby the motor `when the AreelA` isdrivinggthe motor bach,- wards, and means for' effecting movement osaid device to opposite positions includingnuidgpumpl inggmeans turningl with the motor and* reel and resilientmeans, said' resilient 'means andthe fluid pumped by said.` motor. ac tingonn said. device to controlthe position o isaid device..

20.1 In combination,b a winding reel adapted. to havea cable wound.V thereon and'towind i-n--the cable or to have. the cable drawn on therefrom, a. reservoir for ahydraulic flui'dgpa pump'having drivingA means, a. motor-pump device,a driving connection betweenthe motor-pump device .and the reel', a, connection between thereservoir and the pump. a connection between the pump and the nmtorpump devicaa connection between the motor-pump device. andthe reservoir,d means. for releasing `fluid' from the connection `between the pump andthe motorpump device to the reservoir including means for releasing `hiid at. a` relatively high pressure and means tor, releasing` fluid at a relatively lower pressure each including'a yieldably loaded relief; valve individuali to it and responsive, as regards opening, to the 4pressure it relieves, and` means including, a uid'iplaced under pressure at both of said times for precluding` release through the second' mentioned, fluid releasinggmeansfwhile the motorepump device is operating asa motor and for rendering said second mentioned nid' vreleasingmeans operative whenA said* motor-pump vdevi-ce isropcraftedY asY a 2li. In -a-cable reeling mechanism-,a cable a fluid; motor for dri-ving said yreel in winding directionA only, said motor when said reel;` is rotating= in unwindingi direction running-backwards 'andv acting' asia'pumpito `retardi such reelfvotationf, .and means including a pumpedriven-b5r-thel .reel as. the-latter rotates, in unvvindingdirection.- for enectingia reduction dischi-m sideotsadlinototwhenithe.latterdseneratinefas anulan tmlowerfthereeistaneeftdreel rmtationi.

12S/i(l 51m enable: reeling mechanism, ,al Qableareet afiiuidmoieeon-drivine saidoteel-inlwndna-.dif nectidnionlv,saidrreelraseitrctatesfnfunwndine; direction eieeting driveof said motor) 1in afree verser direct-ien Whexebyasaid. motor acts-asa nun-imm.A retard such). reel.; imitation. andi means inclndineia pump' driven .,aszeaid reel. retatesz-n unwndina direction;l for creatina.awpressurerto enecnfa. reduotionr-oi: the. pressure. at thea dit:- chargefsideflofesaidgmotor whenxthealatlei actring as. a; pun'ip to lower the' 11frSiSt1M1-Cl2..0s` .er rotation:

23.1 1n= a -Gaiole reeling. mechanism; aab'ld Reel; a= fluid? motor; for driving; said. freeli only 1in:.-v1'rnd, ing direction, said: reelA asfittrotates in;- unwind?. ing` direotionfeiecti-ng. drive ofrsaidfmotonbacise wards to. cause the 1 latter.. toast-1. as; ati-pump: .tof retard reel .rrrsatiorn4 ar -uid actuated. valve! nora mallylv hel'dclosed during :reelf rotationi in: Winde. inglv direction. and` movable to .open position to: reduce.theloaokv pressure onwsaidinotor asthe latteracts as. a` pumpy and a pressuregeneraton driven byf saidreel. as the latter I rotates: in. une: windingy direction for subjecting saidvalv'e. tov a: throwing pressureto effect valve. m'ovementrtoopen--position\, saidlpressune` generator as said reel isv rotated in winding: direction/subjecting. saidfwal-ve t'oapressure fonholdi'ngsaid valve closed.

24. In acable reeling mechanism, a. cabl'eix'eel; a-liuidfnictor for driving saidfreelonly=in=windiing direction; said reel as-itrotatesfinunwinding. direction eiieeting drive of* said -motorinea r'e-4 verseV direction whereby said= motor acts' as apump to retard suchr reel rotation,v ii-uid actue atedi-valve means ineffective during reel. rotationin winding direction-and eieotivewhensaid reel rotatesinunwinding direetionto reduce the back" pressure on said; motor "when the-'latter is act-ing as a pump; a controlling valvemovable todetermine when saith` valve means shall-be' eiieetive; -and pressure generatirzagr meansl other thansa-idiui'd;frnotor` and' 'driven' wh'ensaidj reel is rotatedinf uI-nvinding direction` for subjecting said-valve. to a throwing` pressure to move-the same to render said' valvev meansl ei'ective as aforesaid;

`21",; In combination; a winding reel? adaptedto have a power conductor woundv thereon and-'to windini. the conductor orto have the conductor drawnoitherefrom, a reservoir for a hydraulic fluid, a. pump having driving" means, a motorpump device; a,.d`riving connection between the motor-pump. device.' and thev7 reel; a connection between the reservoirandthe pump; a'A connection benveenthelpump' andthe motor-nume. device, a connectionbetwe'en the motor-pumpldeviceandthe reservoir; means f0.1 releasinafud iromthe. connectionhetween the. pump, and the motor-.aman deviceto the reservoir including means. for.. releasing.. duid. at." a rel vivei'v' high pressure.. and meansfor releas. e.. 1i. di at; amel.- ajt'iveiy loiven. pilessilne, .and means. for. preclude mareleaseat said relativeiylower' pressure; While character-pump. device. is; oneratirig.` as a motor. and' for. nermittinesuch release..whenthemotorpump. device., is. rotated knrsaid;l ree.1, including; a. shifter valveand aanmaning. means .for the. por. Siticnz. oi the. latten providineaicrces. for moving. i'f. iniopnostef directions includingea nume oo n neeteditoftnrnvvith;thereel andidischareinafiiaid toactmrnsaidzshftexivalyer 17 have a power conductor wound thereon and to wind in the conductor or to have the conductor drawn o" therefrom, a reservoir for a hydraulic fluid, a pump having driving means, a motorpump device, a driving connection between the motor-pump device and the reel, a connection between the reservoir and the pump, a connection between the pump and the motorpump device, a connection between the motorpump device and the reservoir, means for releasing fluid from the connection between the pump and the motor-pump device to the reservoir including means for releasing uid at a relatively high pressure and means for releasing fluid at a relatively lower pressure, and means for precluding release at said relatively 18 lower pressure while the motor-pump device is operating as a motor and for permitting such release when the motor-pump device is rotated by said reel, including a shifter valve and controlling means for the position of the latter providing forces for moving it in opposite directions including a pump connected to turn with the reel and resilient means biasing said shifter valve in one direction.

RICHARD T. HAIR.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 

